Who doesn’t love a good crafts project? I’m no longer much for things requiring pipe cleaners and a half-pint milk carton, but I do enjoy playing while ostensibly making a thing of beauty and/or utility.

I have two sets of Elder Futhark runes (a gorgeous amethyst set from Wren, the talented maker at Wren’s Runes – I also have her amazing Lymirian Oracle, but that’s for another day; and, of course, the set that came with Ralph Blum’s book, because who didn’t have them at some point?).

I have a devastatingly beautiful and intensely magical set of hand-carved Futhorc Runes from Raven Kaldera and the good folk of Cauldron Farm.

So, what I really need is a rune set that includes the Elder Futhark, the Younger Futhorc, and some random medieval German and Dutch runes, which, according to Nigel Pennick, were probably used only for magical purposes, and not for divination. However, I really like the shapes, so I decided to make a set of all 41 runes.

So, here we go!

All the Supplies

My original plan was to use Sculpey, but my local craft store had Prang Das Clay in stock, so I picked up a two pound block. As it turns out, two pounds was far more than I needed-the 41 runes took about a half pound of clay. Das clay is an air dray clay, whereas Sculpey is a heat drying clay. Das is also a more fibrous clay, so it has a more organic feel.

Take the usual crafting precautions–make sure you have all of your supplies, clear your workspace, wear clothes that can get messy, etc.  I used a regular non-stick rolling pin and a dough cutter, just like baking cookies. I did all of this on my kitchen counter, no special equipment or set up.

The first step is to roll out the clay so you can cut the runes from it. Just like baking, you cut a block of clay, work it with our hands and shape it into a ball, then roll it flat. I made my runes about 1/4″ thick, as the clay shrinks just a bit when drying. I want the runes to be solid and easy to handle without breaking.

Rolled Clay

Keep the rest of the clay soft while you are working by covering it with a damp towel. This is air-drying clay, and wow, does it dry.

Keep the clay wet

Once you’ve rolled the clay, cut off the top edge of the circle to create a straight line.

Marking the top line

I used toothpicks to draw light lines across the clay. I use a ruler to make it easier–I am not one of those people who can just look at something and cut it perfectly.

Straight Across the Top

Next, cut one row from the clay to make the runes. I made my runes 1.5″ tall and 1″ wide–easy to measure, and a good visual and tactile proportion.

Measure Twice

Cut one horizontal row. Did I manage to get a picture of that? Well, no. But you know what the word “horizontal” means, so I have faith in your ability to imagine what it looks like.

Put the rest of the rolled out clay on the wet cloth that’s covering the main block of clay. Put it face down onto the cloth, as that’s the edge you’ll be cutting and drawing on, so you want it to stay flexible.

Face-down on the towel

Mark the strip of clay with the toothpick so you can make neat vertical cuts to create the individual runes:

Cut vertically

The edges will be rough from the cuts.

Rough Edges

Dip your finger in water, and smooth the edges.

Smooth Edges

I will be painting my runes once they’re dry, but since my freehand drawing skills are about as good as my freehand cutting skills, I used toothpicks to carve each shape into the tiles. A few times, the hand did not do what the brain intended, so that particular tile went back into the clay pile. However, that’s much easier than to fix a bad paint job once the tile has dried.

Dipping the carving end of the toothpick in water helped make cleaner lines. Because the clay has a fair amount of pulp in it, it pills as you trace in it. I was able to ease most of it off the surface, but a bit of sanding will be in order once they have dried. The instructions say it can be sanded with a basic emery board, so I won’t have to go all the way across the back yard to the garage to get the sandpaper.

So, now I have 41 tiles of wet clay, carved with runes:

Waiting to dry

The whole process, including clean up, took just under two hours, and there’s not a trace of clay or disarray in my kitchen.

The instructions say that the clay will be fully dry in 24 hours. We’ll find out! Then it will be time to paint them. Stay tuned!

The Giants’ Tarot, Raven Kaldera

Today’s Draw: Hela/Death; Raido; Grid/Knight of Coins.

We most recently saw Hela as the Hidden Influence for the October 13 draw. Here, She moves into the position of active energy. Change is no longer on the horizon; it is happening.

In case the message from Hela isn’t clear enough, Raido tells us to get moving. Put on your walking shoes, saddle up the horse, start up the car, head for the airport. Whatever mode you need to move forward, this is the time.

Grid is the steadying influence amidst all of this change and movement. A practical and no-nonsense figure, Grid assures us we have the tools and knowledge to commence the journey and move with the change, and that we will learn what we need as we move forward.

What are you waiting for? Go!

The Giants’ Tarot, Raven Kaldera

Today’s Draw: Logi/Ace of Wands; Dagaz; Daeg/Knight of Wands.

With so much fire energy, the reading is clear: now is the time to act. Do it, whatever it is.

Energy, inspiration, and opportunity are in conjunction for a short time. Make the most of the moment.

Gather your wits, and take the leap. Know that there is a net, even if you don’t yet know how that net will manifest.

Carpe diem, quia tempus fugit velud transfigat sagitta–deinceps tantum.*

*Seize the day, because time flies like an arrow–forward only.

The Giants’ Tarot, Raven Kaldera

Today’s Draw: Rym/Ten of Wands; Jera; Angrboda/The High Priestess.

It’s Friday, and yet, there is still so much to be done. Take a deep breath. Jera reminds us that everything has its timing, and whatever time pressure we feel is artificially created–things will happen on the Universe’s schedule–which does not always sync up with our schedule. Let go of the stress, and focus on making good use of the time.

We may be stuck cleaning up someone else’s mess, or saddled with responsibilities we did not agree to accept, but which we cannot refuse because the consequences are dire for all concerned. Give yourself five minutes to be upset and angry about it–then get to work. Channel the emotional energy into productive action instead of  engaging in endless cycles about the unfairness of it all. You will feel better because you have moved through that energy, and also accomplished something practical.

Angrboda assures us we are more than equal to the changes and challenges we are facing. A wise leader and brave warrior, Angrboda is also a powerful sorceress, conjuring and creating with deep magic. Let Angbroda’s strength, power, and wisdom guide you through this passage. You can do it. You are doing it. Keep going.

Things are challenging today–perhaps even difficult, or seemingly impossible. Denying that reality does not help. Accept it, and then use your tools, your strength, and your wisdom to do what needs to be done today. Tomorrow will wait its turn.

The Giants’ Tarot, Raven Kaldera

Today’s Draw: Fenris/The Devil; Algiz, reversed; Rind/Page of Swords.

You’re tired, your energy is low, and people are coming at you. This is not how you want your day to go.

Algiz is taking the day off, but Rind is here with her sword to provide back up for you. While your initial impulse may be to respond in Full Fenris Mode to those who are attacking, Rind counsels rational thought and calm action. While biting someone’s head off may be satisfying in the moment, outwitting them and foiling their attempts to use, hurt, or cheat you is better for you in the long run, as it means they will  learn to leave you alone when it comes to their tricks, and you will escape their traps.

Stand your ground today. If you need time to make a decision, take the time, and the other party can just cope. If they don’t like the decision you make, they can just cope. And if they can’t cope, well, they can just cope with that, too. You need to deal with your own stuff today, because there is a lot of it, and everyone else is just going to have to manage their own stuff.

If you are new to working with bindrunes, I suggest you read the introductory bindrune post here, then return to this post to read about this specific bindrune.

As the Wheel of the Year turns, many of us are looking at significant changes in our lives, sometimes multiple changes happening all at once. This bindrune is designed to help you focus your energies and face those changes with confidence.

Bind Rune for Confidence – Uruz, Ac, Teiwaz

Uruz (brown): As the base of the bindrune, Uruz provides strength and energy for movement. Once we have decided on an action, we must do something to start that action. Uruz gives the boost needed to begin our work, and to keep us in motion once we have started. This is the earthy, and yet wild, strength of the aurochs, and while it is a great resource, we need to combine it with other runes to channel its energy in constructive ways.

Ac (red): Strength in flexibility and persistence. We need the action energy of Uruz to start, and the adaptable strength in Ac to keep going. As we move forward with our plan, we encounter unexpected plot twists, both positive and negative, that require us to change our methods and timeline. Ac helps us make the best use of the positive developments, and to work around the apparent obstacles and delays. Raven Kaldera likens Uruz to the irresistible force, and Ac to the immovable object. We need both kinds of strength to build and maintain our confidence.

Teiwaz (green): We are more confident when we believe we are doing the right thing, and for the right reasons. Engaging in deceitful actions, telling lies, and manipulating people is one approach to getting what we want, but we don’t feel good about ourselves or our actions, and that undermines our confidence. Thus, we incorporate Teiwaz, bringing in Tyr’s energy of honor and duty to keep us focused on right action as we make our plans and move forward. Setting our intentions for the highest good of all is a direct way to remind ourselves that we are acting to make changes that are of shared benefit, not for our benefit at the expense of others’ well-being. Teiwaz helps to channel the wild energy of Uruz, and reminds us that true confidence comes from right action.

The bindrune on the left was done in colored pencil. The one on the right was done with calligraphic marker. They are the same bindrune, shown in two different media to give an idea of how the same bindrune looks different depending on how it is created.

You could also put a drop of sage oil on the rune for a bit of aromatherapy reinforcement.

Wishing you a successful week!

The Giants’ Tarot, Raven Kaldera

Today’s draw: Loki & Thor/Seven of Swords; Thurisaz; Kari/Ace of Swords.

Clarity of thought is your best tool today, both for defense and offense. Trickery is in the air–your own, or another person’s, or both. Whatever game you have set up, or whatever game you have been drawn into, is not a trifling matter.

Watch what you say, and remember that, as much as you are editing what you say to others, they are editing what they say to you. Be aware of what isn’t being said by the other person, and think hard about what they are going to read between the lines of your communications. It takes two to play the game, and you are being played as much as you are playing someone.

This could be a long and difficult day. Take care of your body, since your mind is working extra-hard today. Keep breathing, stay hydrated, eat well, and go to bed early.

Keep your friends close for support, and your enemies closer to keep tabs on them. Today will end, and we can hope that tomorrow will be less complicated.

If you are new to working with bindrunes, I suggest you read the introductory bindrune post here, then return to this post to read about this specific bindrune.

Everyone I know is going through some kind of major change right now–work, home, relationships, family–something. With so much intense emotional energy running through the air, this seems like a good week to create a bindrune for channeling that energy to help us stay calm and focused enough to deal with things.

Bind Rune for Calm: Eihwaz, Isa, Laguz

Eihwaz (purple): facilitates energy movement to keep energy flowing within channels.

Isa (light blue): acts as a boundary to contain the energy within Eihwaz.

Laguz (dark blue): allows energy to flow freely, so there is no build up of stuck energy to create anxiety or depression.

The bindrune on the left was done in colored pencil. The one on the right was done with calligraphic marker. They are the same bindrune, shown in two different media to give an idea of how the same bindrune looks different depending on how it is created.

You could also put a drop of lavender or bergamot oil on the bindrune, as those scents have a calming effect on the human nervous system.

Wishing you a calm and pleasant week!

The Giants’ Tarot, Raven Kaldera

Today’s draw: Ymir/The Fool; Kenaz; Hela/Death.

The presence of two Major Arcana cards says that it’s Transition Time. These two cards in particular–Ymir, The Fool, carries the energy of beginnings, and Hela, Death, carries the energy of endings–leave no wiggle room in this reading.

Kenaz is upright today, so unlike last week, we have light to see where we are, even if the path ahead isn’t brightly lit. We can see far enough ahead to take one step, and then another, at the pace the Universe sets for us. Always remember that we are on the Universe’s timetable, not the other way around.

If you haven’t let go of the things that are holding you back, Hela is here to take them. You do not need them, there is no reason to keep them. You can relinquish them consciously, with thanks and blessings, or you can be left standing empty-handed, wondering what happened. Visualize giving them all to Hela, thank Her for taking them from you, and release them with a blessing for having learned those lessons and being ready to move on.

You may not know where you are going, but know that you will get there.

Destiny Books has my  number. They have released several titles relating to Northern Traditions this year, and kindly sent me a copy of Pagan Magic of the Northern Tradition: Customs, Rites, and Ceremonies, the latest from Nigel Pennick.

Pagan Magic of the Northern Tradition by Nigel Pennick

If you are not familiar with Pennick’s work, this is a very good place to start. Pennick is a serious scholar, and his work is peppered with notes and cross-references. The book contains a 15 page glossary and a 30 page bibiliography. Be still, my beating academic heart!

Pennick is also an entertaining writer, so the book, while densely packed with information, is pleasurable to read. The research is extensive,  the anecdotes are relevant, and the breadth of topics covered is delightful.

The book opens with an introduction to Northern Magic to acquaint the reader with basic concepts and terms, and sets an engaging tone for the text. Subsequent chapters cover a myriad of facets of daily life–measuring time, measuring distance, crafting, building construction, social justice, funeral customs, music, and countless quotidian details which add richness to our understanding of how people lived. Who knew that a simple pothook was also a powerful magical object? I didn’t, but now I do.

A plethora of photos, drawings, and diagrams are quite helpful for understanding some of the less-familiar concepts and narrative in the book, especially in the chapters dealing with measurement of distance and building.

Pennick explores how our ancestors used practical magic on a daily basis to manage their lives. Much was beyond their control, and much is still beyond our control, despite our scientific advances and technical inventions. Pennick draws a direct connection between us and our forebears:

“We are within our given circumstances, living in our own lives, and must endure their accompanying difficulties, but how we endure them and how we deal with our circumstances is up to us.” (Page 15)

Each chapter is a balanced combination of history, theory, anecdote, and philosophy. The definition of “Northern” is generous, and covers the expected Nordic, Scandinavian, and Germanic areas, and also branching out east and south to the Baltic and Slavonic territories, and west to the British Isles.

Pennick provides plenty of examples of invocations, chants, and common practices to give a full picture of our ancestors’ daily lives. Whether they were creating wooden charms to keep the horses safe in the stable, or building houses in alignment with earth energies and divine geometry, our forebears were using the tools and knowledge available to them create a human space in a wild world. They kept an amazingly accurate calendar of events to honor their Gods and the Wheel of the Year, and their adherence to these traditions to keep them grounded in a hard world gives us a strong example to follow in our own different, but not entirely dissimilar, world.

Where our ancestors used chants, sigils, and specific rituals, we have our own magic of wireless signals and social rituals. In their efforts to create a safe space for a happy home, to reckon time, and to honor life, we see our own efforts–the same intent, but rather different in form–as we practice them today. Pennick’s message of the need for “Keeping Up the Day” come through clearly, and his book is packed with ideas we can adapt to continue our ancestors’ traditions in ways that make sense for us and our world.